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<TITLE> 3 Ways to Win, 6 Ways to Draw a Chess Game </TITLE>

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<FONT SIZE="5"> <B> Three Ways to Win a Chess Game </B> </FONT>
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<P> <B>Checkmate</B>.  If your opponent is in check, and has no legal 
moves to escape check, he/she is checkmated, and loses the game.  Once 
checkmated, it is too late for the opponent to claim a win on time, 
or to claim a draw due to both players being out of time.

<P> <B>Win on Time</B>.  If your opponent has no time left on the clock 
(his/her "flag has fallen"), you may claim a win on time (if you still 
have time on your clock).  Note that spectators are not allowed to point 
out a win on time (or signal a player in any way).

<P> <B>Opponent Resigns</B>.   Players may resign (surrender) at any time.  
The best way to do this is to tip one's King over, rather than saying 
"I resign" which may distract nearby players.  The desire to resign in 
a difficult position is understandable, but playing on in such a situations 
helps develop defensive skills, which are just as important as attacking in chess.  Also, the player with the "won" game often becomes over-confident and makes mistakes, or may still lose on time.

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<P><FONT SIZE="5"> <B> Six Ways to Draw (Tie) a Chess Game </B> </FONT>
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<P> <B>Insufficient Material</B>.  The following combinations 
can <U>never</U> deliver checkmate (assuming no pawns) against a lone King: 
1) lone King, 2) King and one Knight, 3) King and one Bishop.  A player 
must claim the draw, otherwise play continues (either player may still 
lose on time).

<P> <B>Draw by Repetition</B>.  If the same position occurs 3 times 
(not necessarily on consecutive moves) with the same player to move, 
either player may point this out and claim a draw.  If neither player 
claims the draw, play continues (either player may still lose on time).

<P> <B>Stalemate</B>.  If a player has no legal moves on his/her turn, 
but is not in check, the game is over and the result is a draw.

<P> <B>Fifty-Move Rule</B>.  If either player makes 50 consecutive moves 
without moving a pawn or making a capture (irreversible moves), either 
player may claim a draw.  If neither player claims the draw, play 
continues (either player may still lose on time).

<P> <B>Draw by Agreement</B>.  Players may offer a draw at any time 
during a game, but preferably immediately after making a move.  If 
the opponent wants to accept the draw offer, he/she must do so before 
making a move, otherwise the draw offer expires.  Draw offers may be repeated.

<P> <B>Both Flags Down</B>.  If <U>neither</U> player has time left on the clock, 
either player may claim a draw (unless one of the players has already been 
checkmated or resigned).  If neither player notices, the TD may point out 
the draw so that the next round does not start late.

<P> <I>NOTE</I>:  to ensure that an unscrupulous opponent 
does not deprive you of your win or draw by debating the game result until 
your time runs out, <U>always stop the chess clock immediately after the end 
of a game</U>.  In case of a dispute, this offers proof that you had time on 
your clock when the game ended.

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<P>  www.BordersChess.org/ways.htm
&nbsp; &nbsp; <I> modified 2001.11.30 </I>

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